While most of us were blown away by the insane transformations of seriously drab resales in our recent Before and After post, there was something else that many readers were equally stunned by. The prices.
The sticker-shock is definitely real here.
Yes, they aren’t exactly the most ‘affordable’, but, it’s important to note the extent and scale of renovation and recovery works done for those homes. That being said, most resales in general do cost more to renovate (than new ones)... but they definitely don’t have to cost a bomb! Proof that a makeover can still be had on a budget, here are 7 resale HDBs that cost $60,000 (or less) to renovate:
1. Wrapped in honey-hued woods, this 70sqm HDB flat retains a warm, lodge-like atmosphere that’s surprisingly spacious looking. Its secret? Keeping details to a minimum, and using smart visual tricks to create a sleek, streamlined look.
For instance, full-length mirrors are used to magnify the width of the living area, which doubles as a workout corner for the homeowners. Meanwhile, in the bedrooms, platform storage that work as steps help to demarcate and fit in two sleeping corners.
Interior Designer: i-Chapter
Cost of renovation: $50,000
2. Not only will it never go out of style, a simple, monochromatic theme can help save you a chunk on… renovation costs? This modest resale abode is ample proof by itself, with a renovation price tag of just $26,000.
Skipping out on fancy elements for necessary built-ins in the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms, this minimalist flat is spruced up with hints of indoor greenery, décor items, and furniture for an eye-catching (yet budget-friendly) look.
Interior Designer: VNA Design
Cost of Renovation: $26,000
3. Of course, if the resale you’re moving into is in a newer, slightly better condition, you'll stand to spend less on repairs and recovery. And that means, more room for the optional features you’ve always wanted!
Clean and serene, this relatively-new resale HDB features a dreamy, open-concept kitchen and restful raised platform bed with TV console for lazy, Netflix nights. All that is fitted with a palette of whites, woods and golds for a calm, elegant air.
Interior Designer: The Orange Cube
Cost of Renovation: $50,000
4. Failsafe and easy to achieve, going all-white is one affordable way to refresh a dingy space! And at 125sqm, this spacious resale flat is made to look even more expansive, thanks to an unabashed lack of colour.
Textured surfaces, like the living area’s white-washed brick walls and shiplap-effect pillars are added to create dimension and detail. Meanwhile, the clever use of cool and warm lighting imbues a bright, ethereal look.
Interior Designer: StyleMySpace
Cost of Renovation: $39,000
5. Transforming an old, dingy apartment into a modern sanctuary doesn’t necessarily require a major overhaul with tons of fancy (read: costly) elements.
Here, a bold scheme of whites and blacks, sleek, contemporary furniture and minimal finishes create a fresh space that’s current with the times. And of course, the wonders a white-subway tile can do for a stark, show-stopping abode.
Interior Designer: Happe
Cost of Renovation: $45,000
6. Another swell idea? Update an outdated resale space with new floors and walls for an instant change up!
Opting for an open layout, this retro-looking 4-room HDB focuses instead on using graphic tiles, brick finishes, pegboards and even ventilation blocks to create visual interest. Paired with kitschy, industrial-style furnishings and traditional window grilles, the result is a cosy, playful home that doesn’t take itself (too) seriously.
Interior Designer: The Interior Lab
Cost of Renovation: $42,000
7. Cosy yet elegant, this graceful apartment looks more fancy condo than HDB resale! Timeless, dusty neutrals - from the floor tiles, walls to furniture and built-ins - paired with bold black accents and golden accessories create an upscale look that retains a hint of glitz. Yet, it isn't all about looks! Making the most out of the flat's awkward corners and elongated shape are an array of built-in carpentry, including benches, day beds and a seriously-long wardrobe, which provides ample storage space for the homeowner's random knick-knacks.
Interior Designer: DS2000 Interior & Design
Cost of Renovation: $60,000
Love the spaces here?
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